Klein ISD announces 'Employee of the Year' honorees

The Klein Independent School District recently announced its Employees of the Year honorees for 2012 at the Staff Recognition Banquet.

The selected employee from Food Services was Santos Reyes, the Klein High School Food Specialist who helps to serve nutritional and balanced meals to students and also promotes safety and sanitation.

“I am excited, nervous and very proud to be chosen for this honor,” said Reyes in the press release. “I want to thank both of my managers, Linda and Karlyn, for encouraging me to get involved with certification, as well as participating in German Fest. I also want to give a big thank you to all the people that I work with at Klein High School and, of course, thanks to God.”

In the Manual Trades category, Carl Edwards was selected. Edwards is from the Maintenance Department and has been with Klein ISD for 28 years, in charge of emergency power operations.

“Carl is always willing to help,” said August Wunderlich, director of the maintenance department, in the press release. “Carl takes great pride in keeping the students safe by making sure all safety equipment is in good shape each day.”

Dorothy Mitchell was chosen from Plant Operations. She is a custodian at Doerre Intermediate, where she has spent 24 years leading the night custodial crew.

“Ms. Mitchell spends time with each employee to ensure their success,” said Willie Huggins, director of plant operations, in the press release. “She is patient with employees while maintaining high expectations so campuses are ready for students and staff each day.”

In the Police Department, DeShana Defferari, support personnel, was selected for her work as district training coordinator for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office in the Stay in School program.

“Shana is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure the people working with her have the information they need,” said Guadalupe Rocha, police chief, in the press release. “Shana exemplifies what a model employee in the department is, and her dedication to helping student’s succeed is evident in her actions and attitude. We are proud to have Shana on our team!”

Beverly McGlasson, administrative assistant to the superintendent, was chosen from the Professional Support category. She has been a supporter of Klein ISD for more than 18 years and attends all district meetings to assist where she can.

“Ms. McGlasson exhibits true professionalism in her position,” said Superintendent Jim Cain in the press release. “Her ability to communicate with board members, community members, parents and students is outstanding. Her organizational skills are also unmatched, and her kind, smiling and upbeat attitude is recognized and appreciated by myself and everyone in the district.”

The clerical employee selected was Debbie Scheel, the secretary to the assistant superintendent for communications and planning.

“Debbie is all about customer service for our stakeholders,” said Judy Rimato, assistant superintendent, in the press release. “I have never actually known anyone that is more thorough, organized and efficient in their work. She loves to learn new things and does so without complaint, and with an eagerness that is unmatched, Debbie is the ultimate professional.”

Teacher assistant Dawn Barnett was chosen for her work as the resource paraprofessional at Schultz Elementary.

“She is flexible, accommodating and is happy to do whatever is asked of her,” said Principal Sherri Davenport in the press release. “She has our students’ best interest at heart, and helps them in whatever way she can to ensure their success. She has high expectations for our students and helps them reach these expectations, and always puts forth 100 percent into making sure each student reaches their potential. She genuinely loves our students, and they love her, and she always goes above and beyond to meet their needs.”

In Technical Support was Sharon Merkt, information/technician support for the director of student information services. Merkt trains new teachers and parents at the beginning of each school year on the Parent Connection portal and also works as the liaison for the district chancery/SMS.

“She is an exceptional communicator and a total team player,” said Vicki James, director of SIS, in the press release. “The SIS department, as well as Klein ISD, is better because of her commitment and expertise. She is always pleasant, professional and takes her time to make sure the person she is working with has her full attention. I could not do it without her.”

The Transportation Services employee selected was Carmen Flores, bus driver at South Transportation Center. Flores safely transports the students in Klein ISD every day and is known for communicating with parents, co-workers and school personnel.

“Ms. Flores is respected by her peers for her professionalism, her efficient work and her ability to work with her students, parents and school adults,” said her supervisor, Byron Willis, in the press release. “Ms. Flores is seen by her peers as a steady hand, and we all know she will be at work to do her job in a strong way. She also knows that driving her students to and from school each day in a safe, timely way helps those students perform their best at their school.”

Winners of the Employee of the Year awards were nominated by directors and administrators across the district.